Missanabie Cree First Nation Signs Seven JVs

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SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – January 19, 2016 – Missanabie Cree First Nation (MCFN) announced today the signing of joint venture agreements with seven experienced business partners. These partnerships will enable Missanabie Cree First Nation to be a strong contender in its bid to work on – and benefit its community from – development projects occurring on its territories. This is an important approach to help ensure the long term economic and social wellbeing of the members of Missanabie Cree First Nation.

“Sault Ste Marie and surrounding areas anticipate seeing major development projects in the coming years,” said Chief Jason Gauthier, Missanabie Cree First Nation. “To succeed, these projects will require the support and participation of First Nation’s communities and − as stewards of the land − the Missanabie Cree First Nation is in a unique position to provide strategic services.”

“As a team, our first line of business is to look for opportunities to bid on mining contracts on traditional territory of the Missanabie Cree,” said Gauthier. “We hope to be able to put in a competitive bid when related contracts start to go through tender.”

“In addition to the sustainable economic benefits afforded by these partnerships, we are hopeful that the collaborative aspect will provide employment income for members of our community, thereby contributing to individual, family and community wellbeing,” added Gauthier. “We have a vision of our community re-established on the traditional lands that were once the homeland of our ancestors where institutions of our government, economy and education can once again thrive.”

More About Missanabie Cree First Nation (MCFN)

Evidence and records suggest that by as early as the 1570s, members of the Missanabie Cree had settled in the areas surrounding present day Missinaibi Lake, Dog Lake, Wabatongushi Lake, Oba Lake and Esanagi Lake. According to Elders’ testimony and anthropological evidence, the Missanabie Cree had utilized these lands from time immemorial to hunt, fish and trap for food, for ceremonial purposes and to provide for the cultural, spiritual and economic wellbeing of their people.